Zendaya Coleman is just 18 years old, but she's already accomplished more than most of us will in a lifetime. She's an actor, singer, dancer, author, and has even started her own clothing line and hosted an awards show.
The Disney Channel actor, who was a stand-out star on the show Shake It Up and now K.C. Undercover, has shown us all before that she doesn't let her age hold her back. She competed (and was the runner-up) in the 13th season of ABC's Dancing With The Stars, becoming the youngest contestant in the show's history at age sixteen. But even though she's grown up in the spotlight, Zendaya is one of the few superstars who has managed to stay grounded despite her fame…and she's helping other young people to do the same thing.
After seeing the paths that other Disney stars have taken, no one would have been surprised if Zendaya had left the company as soon as she turned eighteen and gone a little crazy like plenty of young adults do. But instead, this star has used her fame for better causes, such as when she wore dreadlocks to the Oscars to help people see them in a positive, fashionable light. She's also shown us that she's wise beyond her years, inspiring both young girls and grown adults with what she says and does. I sure hope my future kids have someone like her to look up to as they grow up!
There are plenty of stars today that use their bodies to become famous, but Zendaya is proof that a beautiful mind can be just as powerful. Check out all the times this rising star spoke some serious words of wisdom, and don't forget to SHARE her quotes with everyone you know!
1. When she reminded us to stick to our guns
"I have standards I don't plan on lowering for anybody… including myself."
2. When she taught us about self-acceptance
"The best thing is to realize that you are who you are and you gotta work with what you got."
3. When she delivered a hard-hitting lesson on racism and prejudice
When Giuliana Rancic of Fashion Police commented on Zendaya's gorgeous dreadlocks at the 2015 Oscars, she said that the star probably smelled like "patchouli and weed." Zendaya took to social media to deliver a poignant response to the host's insensitive comments and reminded everyone that offensive stereotypes should be left in the past.
4. And when she reminded us that the cure to hate is love
After realizing how offensive her comments had been, Rancic gave an on-camera apology to both Zendaya and everyone else she'd hurt, saying, "I just want everyone to know, I didn't intend to hurt anybody – but, I have learned, it is not my intent that matters, it's the result. And the result is that people are offended, including Zendaya, and that is not okay. Therefore, I want to say to Zendaya, and anyone else out there that I have hurt, that I am so, so sincerely sorry… I've learned a lot today, and this incident has taught me to be a lot more aware of clichés and stereotypes, how much damage they can do – and that I am responsible, as we all are, to not perpetuate them further."
Zendaya once again posted a message to her followers, accepting the host's apology and reminding us that although no one is perfect, we can all make the effort to be a little more loving to those around us… even when they do us harm.
5. When she showed us of the importance of kindness
"I try to be nice to everyone, because I have no clue what's going on in their world."
6. When she reminded us that we should support our fellow women
"It's so hard for women to be happy for each other, like genuinely happy. Once you find that, you know you've found true SELF happiness."
7. When she wanted to provide a good role model for her young fans
"I wanted to show a lot of young ladies that you could be beautiful and just as stunning as everyone else without showing every single inch of your body."
8. When she respected the choices of others and lived her own life
"I would never say anything negative about what [performers Justin Bieber and Miley Cyrus] do or the choices they make because, in the end, those are their choices and their lives and I respect them. I've chosen my own different path, and I will continue to do what I do."
9. When she talked about the importance of loving yourself for who you are
"Don't try so hard to fit in, and certainly don't try so hard to be different… just try hard to be you."
10. When she promoted the power of education
"I love hearing educated people speak and just shut everyone up… knowledge is always the loudest voice."
11. When she reminded us that no matter how hard life gets, there's always something to smile about
"There are so many great things in life; why dwell on negativity?"
Don't forget to SHARE Zendaya's wisdom with all your friends!
